Merger of Paris clubs cancelled

A PLANNED merger between Parisian rugby powerhouses Racing 92 and Stade Francais has been cancelled, Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti said yesterday, six days after the plan was first announced to fierce opposition.

“I have decided to give this beautiful project up,” Lorenzetti said.

Stade Francais players began an open-ended strike last week, denouncing what they called a takeover in disguise, while the French federation and the Paris mayor also opposed the merger.

“The future of Stade Francais will be written without us and I wish them the best,” Lorenzetti said.

Stade Francais president Thomas Savare has said that he does not have the cash to keep the 14-time French champions afloat. – Reuters